EastEnders fans 'work out' what's next for Zack Hudson as they uncover forgotten storyline

Zack Hudson made a shock appearance in tonight's after residents, and fans, feared he was dead following Tuesday night's dramatic car crash. Despite Barney now knowing Zack's his dad - it doesn't seem like the character will get his happy ending with his son.

Fans have now been left wondering whether Zack and Barney storyline really has come to an abrupt end - and if so, what's next for Zack? Some fans have uncovered a 'forgotten storyline' where , which they believe is set to resurface.

It's been a dramatic week for Zack, to say the least. Last night, Vicki Fowler dropped the bombshell that , and claimed Teddy tried to have him killed after their car veered off into the lake. However, the crash was accidental, with Teddy only planning to have a chat with Zack after Harry had knocked him unconscious and stuffed him into his boot.

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As he regained consciousness, a frightened Zack tried to take over the wheel, causing the car to lose control and plunge into the lake. Last night, Teddy emerged from the water but Zack was no where to be seen with Vicky Fowler bursting into Teddy's home to tell Barney that Zack was his real dad, and that he was dead. Although he was feared dead, in tonight's episode, the character was while Barney was chatting to Phil and Vicki.

Things didn't stay calm for long after an altercation broke out between Teddy and Zack as they appeared to fight over Barney. In the end though, it seemed Barney chose Teddy as the Mitchells promised to be a family again - even sharing a laugh as the four played a board game.

Fans were left baffled as the scene came after Harry found out that Nicola killed Shireen after his ex girlfriend threatened to expose the secret about Barney's paternity. Although it (strangely) looked like happy families for the Mitchells, it was a different story for Zack, who was left feeling rejected.

Now fans are predicting the future for the character after his hopes with Barney have been dashed down the drain - for now. In 2023, Zack was diagnosed with HIV after being informed by a former friend, Brett, that he shared needles when they were younger - and fans think the 'forgotten' story may be picked back up.

Taking to , one fan said: "He had past drug addition, they could always re-look there," as another responded: "They could continue with the HIV storyline and have issues with medication, or complications despite being undetectable. I thought the HIV storyline was a great idea, but they went no where with it."

Earlier this year, following a cryptic exchange - with many thinking the soap will now explore this storyline for the character.

Will Barney and Zack ever have a father-son relationship, or has it really ended before it had a change to begin?

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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